Smog claims 250,000 lives annually: Marriyum Aurangzeb

LAHORE: Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has disclosed that smog is responsible for 250,000 deaths annually. She made this revelation while addressing the media about the smog crisis on Saturday.

She mentioned that since Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took office in March, she has implemented significant measures to address the serious issue of smog.

Aurangzeb highlighted that the chief minister has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards vehicles, industrial units and kilns contributing to smog, prioritising public health and the safety of future generations.

The minister said that in cities such as Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur, the Air Quality Index (AQI) typically reaches 250 and surges to 450 during the smog season. Smog is also increasing in Narowal and Gujranwala, leading to diseases such as conjunctivitis, lung cancer and skin conditions.

For the first time, a multi-sectoral phased approach has been implemented, involving industrialists, kiln owners and vehicle drivers. The Environmental Protection Department has initiated digital monitoring of vehicles and motorcycles through Safe City cameras.

Marriyum Aurangzeb urged motorcycle owners to get their vehicles checked for fitness, which costs Rs700, to avoid fines of Rs2,000 and potential medical costs. She said that reducing toxic emissions is a government priority, which has led to the closure of fuel pumps selling substandard fuel. She also said that fitness inspection stations for vehicles are available at Kala Shah Kaku and Thokar Niaz Baig. Under the historic ‘Industrial Emission Control System,’ even government-owned smoke-emitting vehicles will be prohibited from entering Lahore.

Aurangzeb said the Metro Bus and Orange Line Train systems were introduced to facilitate public transportation. Maryam Nawaz is building on that legacy by introducing an e-mass transport system, with 30 e-buses and additional e-bikes set to operate on Lahore’s roads in the coming months.

Sensors are being installed to monitor crop residue burning, and drones will now survey fields around the clock. Areas with prevalent rice straw burning, such as Gujranwala, Narowal, and Sheikhupura, have been mapped, and arrests have been made in this regard.

The minister called for both individual and collective responsibility, urging everyone to ensure their vehicles, crops, and factories do not emit smoke. She stressed that the success of the government’s anti-smog efforts hinges on public participation.

Aurangzeb warned of the dangers of plastic, reporting that 7,070 tonnes of plastic had been confiscated after the recent ban. She criticised the previous administration for abandoning Shehbaz Sharif’s solid waste management system, which had allowed garbage to contribute to smog.

As part of the crackdown, 45,000 tire-burning units have been inspected, Rs150 million in fines imposed, and 1,500 sites sealed.